Neglect

Dependence on negligence
Negligent people
Default
Dereliction
Heedlessness
Inadvertence
Laxness
Oversight

Nature

Negligence is a failure to give thought or to pay attention to the risks inherent in one's actions and to take the appropriate precautions against these risks. A negligent act may not result in harm but it, nevertheless, is an act of carelessness. Recklessness, involving the awareness of high risk, is contrasted with negligence in which there should have been awareness of the existence of such risk. Negligence refers to circumstances in which a reasonable person would have been aware of the risk.

Background

Neglect emerged as a recognized global concern in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly through social reform movements highlighting child welfare and institutional care failures. International attention intensified after World War II, as reports from humanitarian organizations documented widespread neglect in postwar societies. Subsequent decades saw expanded research and advocacy, revealing neglect’s pervasive impact across age groups and cultures, prompting the development of monitoring frameworks and policy responses at both national and international levels.

Incidence

Neglect is a pervasive issue affecting millions globally, manifesting in various forms such as child neglect, elder neglect, and neglect of vulnerable populations. According to UNICEF, an estimated 1 in 4 children worldwide suffers from neglect or abuse annually, with underreporting likely masking the true scale. The World Health Organization also highlights significant rates of elder neglect, particularly in institutional settings, underscoring the widespread and persistent nature of this problem across both developed and developing countries.
In 2022, a high-profile case in Japan revealed systemic neglect in a Tokyo nursing home, where several elderly residents suffered malnutrition and untreated medical conditions. This incident prompted national scrutiny and policy reviews regarding elder care standards.

Claim

Neglect is a deeply serious and pervasive problem that destroys lives, relationships, and communities. Ignoring the needs of children, the elderly, or vulnerable individuals leads to lasting psychological and physical harm. It is unacceptable to turn a blind eye to suffering simply because it is less visible than outright abuse. Society must recognize neglect as a critical issue demanding urgent attention, resources, and action—anything less is a grave moral failure.

Counter-claim

Neglect is often exaggerated as a societal issue, but in reality, it is not an important problem at all. People are responsible for their own well-being, and constant attention or intervention is unnecessary. Resources and concern should be directed toward more pressing matters, rather than wasting time on something as trivial as neglect. Ultimately, the focus on neglect is overblown and distracts from truly significant challenges facing our communities.

Neglect

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Counter-claim

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Narrower

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